skedaddle

[ ski-dad-l ]

verb (used without object)

, ske·dad·dled, ske·dad·dling.

1. to run away hurriedly; flee.

noun

1. a hasty flight.

skedaddle

/ skɪˈdædəl /

verb

1. intr to run off hastily

noun

1. a hasty retreat

Word History and Origins

Origin of skedaddle¹

1860–65, Americanism; compare dial. ( Scots, N England) skedaddle to spill, scatter, skiddle to move away quickly

Word History and Origins

Origin of skedaddle¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

His boat skedaddled up to a rock, hit it catty-cornered, and spun, and Abel was suddenly in the water, without his boat, borne along like a limp rag.

From Literature

Shame on you for skedaddling anonymously and cowardly away.

From Seattle Times

But even the vague threat of personal conflict and humiliation was enough to make him skedaddle down to Mar-a-Lago when it was time to go.

From Salon

What if instead of staying in the tomb, she skedaddled with a posy to the Renaissance club scene in Paris and found a new love?

From Los Angeles Times

I hugged Dismay first—he was so alive and full of good feelings—and I skedaddled for the house.

From Literature